Ahmeena Moody Smith
Age: 25
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 5/26/2015 – 12/16/2015
Training: Certified Nursing Assistant

Ahmeena Moody Smith grew up in Richmond, VA, but her life changed drastically at age 9. Unfortunately, Ahmeena’s mother passed away at that time, and Ahmeena spent the rest of her childhood in Norfolk, VA with her father. “This was of course very difficult, not only losing my mom, but moving to a new place, new school, etc., but I knew my mom would want me to keep pushing forward,” said Ahmeena. And push forward she did. Ahmeena graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2014, but she was unsure of her next steps. She began working part time at a Waffle House, but knew she was destined for bigger things. Luckily her cousin was familiar with Job Corps and decided to share her knowledge with Ahmeena. “Job Corps just sounded like a great opportunity to learn a trade free of charge, so I decided to apply,” she explained.
Ahmeena arrived at Blue Ridge Job Corps in May of 2015, and she wasted no time in getting to work. Within seven months, she had fully completed the nursing assistant program, and had passed her state certification. She did all this while volunteering at a local church, and assisting new students coming into the Job Corps program.
Ahmeena has put her training to good use, as she is currently employed as a CNA. She works full-time at a nursing home in Richmond, VA, called Westminster Canterbury. “I really enjoy being a CNA,” she said, “because of the relationships I am able to build with the residents.” She does state that he hopes to return to school soon to further her nursing career.
“If I can do it, so can you,” Ahmeena advised current students. “Don’t give up no matter how hard it gets.”